GRISSOM AIR RESERVE BASE, Ind. --
As a key player in the nation's defense, as well as the local economy, there is a lot that goes on at Grissom, and one U.S. representative recently got a close-up look at the base and its mission.
U.S. Rep. Jim Banks got such a behind-the-scenes view of Grissom as he toured the base and met Airmen and civil servants of the 434th Air Refueling Wing Aug. 23.
“We are very excited to host the Congressman and his team,” said Col. Larry Shaw, 434th Air Refueling Wing Commander. “Any time I have the opportunity to speak about our people and showcase our mission, it’s an honor.”
Banks, a U.S. Navy Reserve veteran who served in Afghanistan during Operations Enduring Freedom and Freedom’s Sentinel, was recently elected to the U.S. House of Representatives.
The congressman, who serves on the House Armed Services, Veterans Affairs and Science, Space, and Technology Committees, said he visited the base to learn more about Grissom's key strategic value and meet the people who make the mission happen.
The 434th ARW is the largest KC-135R Stratotanker unit in the Air Force Reserve Command. Men and women from the Hoosier Wing routinely deploy around the world in support of the Air Force mission.
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